Collecting and harvesting cut bone from kerrison rongeur

ABSTRACT

A collector used to collect bone includes: a container body defining an interior containment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and having at least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from the interior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the open end of the container body such that access to the interior containment space for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collector includes an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of a kerrison rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting area thereof, and the cap includes at least one scraper for engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of a distal end of a kerrison rongeur when received within the intake port. The collector preferably is used with a kerrison-type rongeur for collecting cut bone therefrom.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved. Furthermore, U.S. patent app.publ. no. 2015/0282816 is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the collection of cutmaterial from a rongeur and, in particular, the collection of bone froma kerrison rongeur.

Rongeurs are surgical instruments for the cutting away of human tissue,and most commonly, cartilage and/or bone. “Kerrison” rongeurs areutilized in spinal surgery to remove bone and to thereby gain access tothe spinal canal. rongeurs are well-known within conventional medicalknowledge. Patent references disclosing and discussing kerrison rongeursand their use in surgery include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,902,498; 5,026,375;4,722,338; 4,777,940; 4,777,948 and U.S. patent application publication2003/0216740.

With reference to FIG. 1 a, an exemplary prior art kerrison rongeur isillustrated. The kerrison rongeur includes a first jaw member 10 thatslides parallel to line A relative to, and on top of, a second jawmember 20. The first jaw member 10 included a distal cutting end havinga cutting edge 15. The second jaw member 20 includes a stop 40 forplacement beneath the tissue to be cut, which is generally bone orcartilage. A cutting area 30 is defined between the cutting edge 15 ofthe first jaw member 10 and the stop 40 of the second jaw member 20. Thefirst jaw member 10 includes an open, interior cross-section defining anenclosed area within which the bone tissue is received when cut. Such anexemplary cross-section is illustrated in FIG. 1 b. As illustrated, thecross-section of the first jaw member 10 has a generally inverted Ushape.

In an exemplary use of a kerrison rongeur, a surgeon places the bone tobe cut, such as the leading edge of the lamina of a vertebre, within theopen portion of the distal end of the rongeur. The surgeon then squeezesthe handle of the rongeur, which advances a moveable jaw member of therongeur through and amputates a portion of bone. A surgeon may waituntil the jaw member becomes full of bone, at which time the rongeurmust be completely removed from the surgical site and passed to a scrubnurse or assisting technician for bone removal. The removal from theinstrument of the cut portion of bone often requires that the scrubnurse or assisting technician use a small rigid hook, or toothedforceps, and often further requires that the physician temporarilyrelinquish the instrument entirely to make such bone removal possible.Once cleaned, the instrument is returned to the surgeon who, inreturning it to the surgical site, must then reorient himself to thetask at hand. This sequence must then be repeated over and over again.Moreover, in a typical spinal fusion, this sequence may require as manyas 50 to 100 such repetitions.

Alternatively, a surgeon may present the distal end of the rongeur to ascrub nurse or assisting technician after each cut for removal of thebone, thereby avoiding bone build-up within the jaw member of therongeur. This can be done without the surgeon relinquishing the rongeurand without the surgeon removing his or her attention and focus from thesurgical site. Conventionally, the scrub nurse or assisting technicianmanually swipes the end of the kerrison rongeur with a sterile materialfor removing the cut bone. The scrub nurse or assisting technician mayrepeat the swiping of the cut bone multiple times before harvesting theswiped bone from the material used to perform the swiping. A gauzesponge may be used for swiping. Rather than swiping the bone from therongeur, a gloved hand may be used by the scrub nurse or assistingtechnician to directly remove the bone from the rongeur. Thereafter, theharvested bone from the patient may be used in the surgical procedure onthe patient, e.g., in autografts.

In view of the foregoing, it is believed that a need exists for a safe,expedient, and efficient way for the cut bone to be removed from thekerrison rongeur and harvested by a scrub nurse or assisting technicianwithout the surgeon relinquishing the kerrison rongeur and without thesurgeon having to remove attention and focus from the surgical site.This, and other needs, are believed to be addressed by one or moreaspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, thecontext of collection of bone from a kerrison rongeur, which ispreferred, the present invention is not limited to only such use, aswill become apparent from the following summaries and detaileddescriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of thepresent invention.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, a collector used tocollect cut bone comprises: a container body defining an interiorcontainment space for receiving and retaining collected bone, and havingat least one open end for access and removal of collected bone from theinterior containment space; and a cap in covering relation to the openend of the container body such that access to the interior containmentspace for removal of collected bone is inhibited. The collectorcomprises an intake port defining an opening for receiving therein adistal end of a kerrison—type rongeur for collecting cut bone from acutting area thereof, and the cap comprises at least one scraper forengaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of the distal endof the rongeur when received within the intake port.

In a feature of this aspect, the collector defines a passage throughwhich cut bone dislodged by a scraper from the cutting area of thedistal end of the rongeur is received within the interior containmentspace.

In additional features, the cap comprises a stop by which the extent towhich the distal end of the rongeur received within the intake port islimited; and the stop is located at a spacing relative to the intakeport such that, upon receipt of the distal end of the rongeur andabutment thereof with the stop, the one or more scrapers when actuatedextend over and cover the distal end of the rongeur proximate thecutting area in which cut bone would be found.

In another feature, the container body comprises a stop by which theextent to which the distal end of the rongeur received within the intakeport is limited.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the collector further comprises a stop by which the extent towhich the distal end of the rongeur received within the intake port islimited; the stop comprises a depressible button; the depressiblebutton, when depressed, blocks the passage and inhibits receipt ofdislodged bone within the interior containment space; and wherein thedepressible button, when not depressed, does not inhibit receipt ofdislodged bone within the interior containment space; the stop comprisesa wall; the wall blocks the passage and inhibits receipt of dislodgedbone within the interior containment space; and the wall includes anopening therein, the wall being movable between a first position inwhich the opening aligns with the passage and the wall does not inhibitreceipt of dislodged bone within the interior containment space,dislodged bone passing through the opening in the wall, and a secondposition in which the opening is out of alignment with the passage andthe wall inhibits receipt of dislodged bone within the interiorcontainment space.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the cap is detachable from the container body such thataccess to the interior space for removal of collected bone retainedtherein is uninhibited by the cap; the cap is attached to the containerbody in a frictional fit engagement; the cap is attached to thecontainer body in a thread engagement; and the cap screws onto thecontainer body.

In another feature, a portion of the cap is rotatable relative both tothe container body and to another portion of the cap.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the cap is movable relative to the container body detachablefrom the container body such that access to the interior space forremoval of collected bone retained therein is uninhibited by the cap; ahinge connects the cap to the container body for movement relativethereto; the collector is disposable; one or more components of thecollector are disposable; and one or more components of the collectorare designed to be sterilized for reuse with different patients indifferent procedures.

In another feature, the collector is configured to collect cut bone froma kerrison rongeur.

In another feature, the collector is hand-held and lightweight.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the container body comprises a generally elongate body ortube having opposite open-ends, wherein the cap comprises a first endcap covering a first of the opposite open-ends of the container body,and further comprising a second end cap covering a second of theopposite open-ends of the container body; and the first and second endcaps are generally cylindrical in shape and are axially-aligned along alongitudinal axis of the collector.

In another feature, the one or more scrapers comprise a single scraper,the only one of which that is included in the collector.

In another feature, the one or more scrapers comprise more than onescraper.

In another feature, one of the one or more scrapers comprises bristles.

In another feature, one of the one or more scrapers comprises a brush.

In another feature, one of the one or more scrapers comprises aprotuberance.

In another feature, one of the one or more scrapers comprises a barb.

In another feature, one of the one or more scrapers comprises a finger.

In another feature, one of the one or more scrapers is flexible andresilient, and sufficiently rigid so as to hold form when not engaged bythe distal end of the rongeur and deflecting and bending upon abutmentby and engagement with the distal end of the rongeur.

In another feature, one of the one or more scrapers is made from metal.

In another feature, one of the one or more scrapers is made frompolypropylene.

In another feature, the one or more scrapers extend from an underside ofthe cap toward the interior containment space.

In another feature, the one or more scrapers not are located within theintake port.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the one or more scrapers are located within the intake port;and the intake port is squeezable and springy such that the intake portcan be squeezed by hand causing the one or more scrapers to enter tocutting area of a kerrison rongeur received within the intake port fordislodging bone carried therein.

In another feature, the container body comprises an opaque wall portionand a transparent wall portion.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the container body comprises a movable panel; the panel isconnected by a hinge for pivoting movement; and the panel is removable.

In another feature, the intake port is located in the container body.

In another feature, the intake port is located in a side wall of thecontainer body generally halfway in-between opposite ends of thecontainer body.

In another feature, the intake port is located in the cap.

In another feature, the intake port comprises a large, wide opening inthe side of the cap configured to receive the tip of a rongeur ofvarious conventional sizes.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the intake port is located on the top of the cap; the top ofthe cap defines a funnel-shaped surface with the intake opening at thecenter thereof; the top of the cap defines a flange for catchingdislodged bone when the collector is turned sideways and the distal endof the rongeur is received within the intake port; the cap defines acutout for visual alignment of the collector when receiving the distalend of the rongeur; and the cap comprises a protuberance for visualalignment of the collector when receiving the distal end of the rongeur.

In another feature, the intake port is located on a side of the cap.

In another feature, the intake port includes a hawk bill profile.

In additional features, the intake port defines a scraping tip; and thescraping tip is rigid.

In another feature, the intake port includes an angular profile.

In another feature, the intake port includes a rounded profile.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the one or more scrapers are manually movable into a positionfor engaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of the distalend of the rongeur when received within the intake port; the one or morescrapers comprise at least two opposed scrapers that are manually movedin directions toward one another so as to converge within the cuttingarea of the distal end of the rongeur when received within the intakeport; opposite ends of the collector each includes a depressible portionby which, when depressed, the opposed scrapers are manually moved so asto converge within the cutting area of the distal end of the rongeurwhen received within the intake port; the depressible portion isspring-biased against depression; the opposed scrapers are rotatableabout a longitudinal axis of the container body by manual rotation ofthe depressible portions of the end caps; and the one or more scraperscomprise a scraper that is manually moved within the cutting area of thedistal end of the rongeur when received within the intake port bytwisting of the cap on the container body.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the cap further comprises a handle; and the handle extendsgenerally downwardly proximate a side of the container body, a distalend of the handle being located closer to an end of the container bodyopposite the cap.

In additional features, one or more of which may or may not be mutuallyexclusive: the collector further comprises a suction port for suctioningdislodged bone into receipt within the interior containment space of thecontainer body; the cap defines the suction port; the suction port islocated on a side of the cap; the cap further comprises a handle; thesuction port is located on the handle; the handle extends generallydownwardly proximate a side of the container body, a distal end of thehandle being located closer to an end of the container body opposite thecap; and the suction port is located at the distal end of the handle,with an interior passage extending through the handle from the suctionport and opens into the interior containment space defined by containerbody.

In another feature, the collector is configured to be held in a sidewaysposition when used to collect cut bone from a kerrison rongeur.

In yet another feature, the container body includes an interiorcontainment space having a graduated containment volume of thirty cubiccentimeters.

In another feature, the collector is configured to be held in ahorizontal position when used to collect cut bone from a kerrisonrongeur, the cap and the container body being horizontally orientedrelative to one another.

In another feature, the collector is configured to be held in an uprightposition when used to collect cut bone from a kerrison rongeur.

In another feature, the collector is configured to be held in a verticalposition when used to collect cut bone from a kerrison rongeur, the capand the container body being vertically oriented relative to one anotherwith the cap being at a vertical elevation greater than the containerbody.

In another feature, the container body is box-shaped with generallyrectangular sides and wherein the cap comprises rectangular sides.

In another feature, the container body is transparent. Preferably thecontainer body is made from an inert material conventionally used withmedical containers for holding human tissue for use in a body. In atleast some embodiments, the container body comprises a molded plasticbody, and the cap comprises a molded plastic body.

In another aspect, a device for collecting autologous bone fragmentscomprises a container and a cap. The container comprises a visiblytransparent material and may include graduations to indicate volume ofcollected tissue comprising bone in the container. The cap is attachableto the container by way of threads on both the container and the cap,whereby the cap screws onto the container. Preferably the cap issymmetrical with the exception of an opening that is wide with respectto the diameter of the cap. The opening is configured to allow thepassage of the tip of a kerrison rongeur of multiple sizes along withbone and other tissue matter carried on the tip. The cap furthercomprises a brush disposed on the underside of the cap facing theinterior of the container. The brush comprises a plurality of bristleswhich may comprise individual monofilament bodies. Moreover, thebristles preferably comprise a material that is absorbable by the humanbody; a bio-absorbable bristle is preferred in the event that a bristlebecomes dislodged and mixed with the harvested matter from the tip ofthe kerrison rongeur, and thereafter is inadvertently inserted into thepatient.

In use, the tip of the kerrison rongeur carrying the matter cut from thepatient is inserted through the opening of the cap, and the brush isused to dislodge the matter from the kerrison tip whereby the matterfalls into the interior space of the container and is thereby collected.Dislodging the matter may be effected by moving the kerrison tip upwardaway from the container and into the brush in the underside of the capand/or translating the kerrison tip perpendicularly to the length of thekerrison body. Additional or alternative movements can be used such as,for example, rotating the brush relative to the tip of the kerrisonrongeur for dislodging the cut matter from the tip. The kerrison rongeurthereafter is removed for further use. Later when the harvested matteris needed, the cap is unscrewed from the container and the matter, i.e.,bone in preferred implementations, is retrieved from the container.

In another aspect, a kit comprises an aforementioned collector and arongeur, wherein the collector is configured to collect cut bone fromthe rongeur of the kit.

Another aspect comprises a method of using an aforementioned collectorto collect cut bone.

Another aspect comprises a method of using an aforementioned collectorto collect cut bone from a rongeur.

Another aspect comprises a method of using an aforementioned collectorto collect cut bone from a kerrison rongeur.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention furtherencompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations ofsuch aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combinedwith an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present inventionwithout requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1a is a side elevational view of an exemplary prior art kerrisonrongeur.

FIG. 1b illustrates a cross-sectional shape of the first jaw member 10of the kerrison rongeur of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation.

FIG. 2b is a perspective view illustrating a sequence of steps for usingthe collector of FIG. 2a in collecting bone from a kerrison rongeur,wherein the collector is illustrated in a generally horizontalorientation.

FIG. 2c is a perspective view of a portion of the collector of FIG. 2aafter bone has been collected from a kerrison rongeur.

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with a second embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation.

FIG. 3b is a perspective view illustrating a sequence of steps for usingthe collector of FIG. 3a in collecting bone from a kerrison rongeur,wherein the collector is illustrated in a generally horizontalorientation.

FIG. 3c is a top plan view of a cap of the collector of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 3d is a side elevational view of the cap of the collector of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 4a is a perspective view representative of a sequence of steps forusing another collector in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyhorizontal orientation receiving the distal end of a kerrison rongeur.

FIG. 4b is a top plan view of the collector and distal tip of thekerrison rongeur of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5a a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bone froma kerrison rongeur in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generally verticalorientation.

FIG. 5b is a perspective view illustrating a sequence of steps for usingthe collector of FIG. 5a in collecting bone from a kerrison rongeur,wherein the collector is illustrated in a generally horizontalorientation with the distal end of the kerrison rongeur being receivedwithin the collector.

FIG. 5c is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment to thatof FIG. 5a , in which the height of the collector is less than thatshown in FIG. 5a , the collector of FIG. 5c thus having a shorterprofile.

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyhorizontal orientation.

FIG. 6b is a side elevational view of the collector of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyhorizontal orientation.

FIG. 7b is a side elevational view of the collector of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 7c is another side elevational view of the collector of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyhorizontal orientation.

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyhorizontal orientation.

FIG. 9b is a perspective view of part of a release mechanism of thecollector of FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 9c is a schematic illustration representing the arrangement andoperation of the release mechanism of FIG. 9 b.

FIG. 10a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation and includes a suction tube attached thereto.

FIG. 10b is a side plan view of the collector of FIG. 10a and includes aclose-up, cross-sectional view of an intake port of the collector ofFIG. 10a within which a distal tip of a kerrison rongeur is received.

FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation and includes a suction tube attached thereto.

FIG. 11b is a side plan view of the collector of FIG. 11 a.

FIG. 12a is a side plan view in cross-section of a collector used tocollect cut bone from a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the present invention, wherein the collector isillustrated in a generally vertical orientation and includes a suctiontube attached thereto, and wherein the collector includes multipleinterior scrapers.

FIG. 12b is a side plan view in cross-section of another collectorsimilar to that of FIG. 12a , and differs in that the collector of FIG.12b includes a single interior scraper.

FIG. 12c is a perspective view in cross-section of a portion of thecollector of FIG. 12a illustrating a screen for filtering of outflowfrom the collector through the suction tube.

FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation.

FIG. 13b is another perspective view of an opposite side of thecollector as seen in FIG. 13 a.

FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation.

FIG. 14b is a perspective view illustrating a use of the collector ofFIG. 14a in collecting bone from a kerrison rongeur, wherein thecollector is illustrated in a generally horizontal orientation with thedistal end of the kerrison rongeur about to be received through anintake port of the collector.

FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation.

FIG. 15b is another perspective view of an opposite side of thecollector as seen in FIG. 15a , wherein the intake port of the collectoris better seen.

FIG. 16a is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation.

FIG. 16b is another perspective view of an opposite side of thecollector as seen in FIG. 16a , wherein the intake port of the collectoris better seen.

Each of FIGS. 17a-17f illustrates in elevational plan view, taken incross-section, a shape of an intake port for a collector in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention.

Each of FIGS. 18a-18c illustrates in plan view an opening of an intakeport for a collector in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention.

Each of FIGS. 19a-19c illustrates in plan view a generally oval(preferably circular) intake port opening of an intake port for acollector in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a collector used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation.

FIG. 21a illustrates a table listing values of properties giving rise tosome possible variations between some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 21b illustrates a table listing some possible combinations of someof the elements of the table of FIG. 21 a.

FIG. 22a is a perspective view of a tip and scraper showing path andorientation properties representative of some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 22b is a perspective view of a tip and scraper showing path andorientation properties representative of some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 22c is a perspective view of a tip and scraper showing path andorientation properties representative of some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 22d is a perspective view of a tip and scraper showing path andorientation properties representative of some embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 22e is a perspective view of a tip and scraper in the form of awiper showing path and orientation properties representative of someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 22f is a perspective view of a tip and scraper in the form of awiper showing path and orientation properties representative of someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 22g is a perspective view of a tip and scraper in the form of awiper showing path and orientation properties representative of someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a collector in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24a illustrates a top plan view of a cap of a collector 2400 inaccordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24b is a side elevational view of the collector 2400.

FIG. 24c is another side elevational view of the collector 2400.

FIG. 24d is a top perspective side view of the collector 2400.

FIG. 24e is a bottom perspective side view of the collector 2400.

FIG. 24f is a perspective view of the scraper of the collector 2400,which scraper is located under and attached to the cap, as seen throughthe opening in the cap in FIGS. 24c and 24 e.

FIG. 25a is a perspective view of a collector in accordance with anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25b is a side elevational view of the collector of FIG. 25a ,further illustrating a tip of a rongeur inserted into the cap thereof.

FIG. 25c is a perspective view of the collector of FIG. 25a , furtherillustrating a tip of a rongeur inserted into the cap thereof.

FIG. 25d is another elevational side view of the collector of FIG. 25a ,further illustrating a tip of a rongeur inserted into the cap thereof.

FIG. 25e is a top perspective view of the collector of FIG. 25a ,further illustrating a tip of a rongeur inserted into the cap thereof.

FIG. 25f is a perspective close-up view of the top of the collector ofFIG. 25a with a tip of a rongeur inserted therein, and furtherillustrating bristles of the brush extending from the underside of thetop of the cap downwardly into engagement with the tip of the rongeur.

FIG. 26a is a side-by-side elevational view of the tops of two prototypecollectors, each in accordance with a respective embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 26b is a perspective view of the caps of the collectors of FIG. 26aafter the caps have been unscrewed from the containers and placed upsidedown on a surface to expose views of the brushes attached to theunderside of the caps.

FIG. 26c is a side-by-side top perspective view of the collectors ofFIG. 26 a.

FIG. 26d is a side elevational view of one of the collectors of FIG. 26a.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing movement of the tip of a rongeurin the direction of arrow A so as to extend through a port of acollector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28a is another perspective view showing the tip of the rongeur ofFIG. 27 received within the cap of the collector of FIG. 27.

FIG. 28b is another perspective view also showing the tip of the rongeurof FIG. 27 received within the cap of the collector of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a perspective side view of a collector in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective side view of a prototype collectorrepresentative of the embodiment of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is another perspective side view of the prototype collector ofFIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is another perspective side view of the prototype collector ofFIG. 30.

FIG. 33a is a perspective side view of the prototype collector of FIG.30 with the tip of a rongeur inserted through the port thereof into thecollector.

FIG. 33b is another perspective side view of the prototype collector ofFIG. 30 with the tip of the rongeur inserted through the port thereofinto the collector.

FIG. 34a is a perspective view of the underside of the cap of theprototype collector of FIG. 30, wherein the scraper attached to theslidable plunger for clearing material from the cutting area perhaps isbest seen.

FIG. 34b is a perspective view of the underside of the cap of theprototype collector of FIG. 30, wherein the stop of the cap, againstwhich the tip of the rongeur rests when fully inserted, is perhaps bestseen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. As should be understood,any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore,any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” isconsidered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out thepresent invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed foradditional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, anyembodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention inany claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined bythe claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that thescope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined byreading into any claim a limitation found herein that does notexplicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theissued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) no claim element isintended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unlessthe explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in suchclaim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to applyin the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Additionally, as used herein, “cap” denotes “a lid configured to beattached to an object in covering relation to an interior containmentspace of the object”.

As used herein, a “scraper” is a brush, a group of bristles, aprotuberance, a barb, or a finger; and is sufficiently rigid so as togenerally hold form when not engaged by the distal end of a kerrisonrongeur and to generally dislodge bone found in a cutting area of akerrison rongeur when moved into or through the cutting area.Preferably, a scraper also is sufficiently flexible and resilient so asto generally deflect and bend to some extent upon abutment by andengagement with the distal end of a kerrison rongeur. A scraper may berelatively hard or soft within this range. Furthermore, a scraperpreferably comprises a bio-absorbable material in at least someembodiments of the invention. In this respect, a scraper may comprise abrush with bio-absorbable bristles which, if inserted into the body, areabsorbed by the body.

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are next described. The following description of oneor more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

A First Embodiment

Accordingly, a perspective view of a collector 100 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur is shown in FIG. 2a . The collector 100 isin accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention and isillustrated in a generally vertical orientation in FIG. 2a . Aperspective view of a sequence of steps for using the collector 100 incollecting bone from a kerrison rongeur is represented in FIG. 2b , inwhich figure the collector 100 is illustrated in a generally horizontalorientation.

As will be appreciated, the collector 100 is hand-held and comprises acontainer body 101 (shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b to be a generallyelongate body or tube that is cylindrical in shape), and havingopposite, axially-aligned end caps 102,104. The container body 101defines an interior containment space and comprises an opaque wallportion 103 and a transparent wall portion 105.

In use, the collector 100 is manually held at opposite ends in agenerally horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 2b , in which it ispositioned to receive the distal end 108 of a kerrison rongeurcontaining cut bone 110. The distal end 108 is received through anintake port opening 106 that is located in side wall portion 103 halfwayin-between the opposite ends of the collector 100. In this respect, thecollector 100 is held sideways and is said to be side-loaded.

Preferably in use, a scrub nurse, assisting technician, or similarperson (hereinafter generally “assistant”) moves or loads the collector100 onto the distal end 108 of the kerrison rongeur when extended fromthe surgical site by the surgeon, who preferably maintains focus andattention on the surgical site and does not look away for purposes ofaligning the distal end 108 with the intake port opening 106 (whichalignment is the assistant's responsibility); it will be appreciatedthat the intake port opening 106 is maneuvered relative to and alignedwith the distal end 108 by the assistant.

Upon receipt of the distal end 108 with the cut bone 110 through theopening 106 into the interior of the collector 100, the assistantdepresses (pushes inwardly in direction of arrows A) on spring-loaded,axially-aligned end buttons 112,114 located on the opposite end caps102,104 of the collector 100, respectively. In this respect, the buttonspreferably are urged or biased by springs (not visible in FIG. 2a or 2b) in directions opposite to the arrows A in FIG. 2a so as to extendoutwardly from the body 101 for grasping and holding of the collector100 by the assistant during maneuvering of the collector onto the distalend 108 of the kerrison rongeur. This causes opposed interior scrapers116,118 located in the interior of the collector 100 and connected tothe end caps 102,104 to converge onto and cover the distal end 108 ofthe kerrison rongeur when received within the interior of the collector100 through the port opening 106. This action—especially when performedmultiple times—should serve to dislodge the bone 110 from the kerrisonrongeur, resulting in the bone 110 either becoming lodged within thescrapers or falling onto an interior wall of the collector 100 definingat least in part the interior containment space. Moreover, the scrapers116,118 optionally may be rotatable about a longitudinal axis L of thecontainer body 101 by respective manual rotation of the end buttons112,114. The transparency of the wall portion 105 will enable theassistant to view whether the bone 110 has been collected yet from thekerrison rongeur, and to continue actuating the end buttons 112,114either until the bone 110 has been collected or a reasonable number ofattempts has been tried.

Once collected, the assistant removes (unloads) the collector 100 fromthe distal end 108 of the kerrison rongeur with the bone 110 remainingwithin the interior of the collector 100, either loosely retainedtherein or lodged within one of the opposed scrapers 116,118. Preferablythe assistant then acknowledges to the surgeon the completion of thecollection of the bone from kerrison rongeur, whereupon the surgeonreturns the kerrison rongeur to the surgical site for continued cutting.This sequence continues until cutting by the surgeon is completed.

During the procedure, the bone 110 may be kept within the collector 100until needed or may be removed as desired. The bone 110 preferably isharvested by removing each of the end caps 102,104 from the elongatebody 101 of the collector 100. FIG. 2c is a perspective view of ascraper 118 of an end cap 114 of the collector 100 after bone has beencollected from a kerrison rongeur and the end cap 114 has been detachedfrom the body 101. In this respect, each of the end caps 112,114preferably is received within an end of the elongate body 101 andretained thereby by a friction fit, for example, between the wall of thebody 101 and a rubber or silicone seal 115; and/or a threaded engagementby screwing (not shown). Bone that is lodged within a scraper 116,118 ofan end cap 102,104 can be removed by manually agitating the scraper116,118 and pulling on the bone, with the scraper 116,118 extending overa sterile cloth, towel, pad, or table surface to catch the falling bone.Similarly, the bone within the body 101 of the collector 100 that isloose may be dumped onto a sterile cloth, towel, or pad, or directlyonto a sterile surface of a table. The transparent portion 105 of thebody 101 further may comprise a hinged or removable panel, by which theinterior of the body 101 may be accessed for manual removal of any bonethat may become stuck within the interior containment space of the body101. The harvested bone then can be used during the procedure, such asfor example, in an autograft procedure.

The materials from which the components of the collector are made may beany desired, suitable material for use in the foregoing procedure. Forinstance, a scraper may comprise metal or other rigid or semi-rigidmaterial that is effective in dislodging bone from the distal end of thekerrison rongeur. It is further contemplated that one or more of thematerials may be molded from, for example, an inert plastic material.Furthermore, the materials preferably are lightweight such that thecollector is readily manipulated by hand. Furthermore, the collector maybe disposable, in that the collector may be used during a single medicalprocedure for a patient and then discarded in accordance with applicableHAZMAT protocols. Alternatively, one or more components of the collector(including all of the components) are designed to and are able to besterilized for reuse with another patient during another procedure.

A Second Embodiment

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a collector 200 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur in accordance with a second embodiment ofthe present invention. The collector 200 is illustrated in a generallyvertical orientation in FIG. 3a . A perspective view of the collector200 representing a sequence of steps for using the collector 200 tocollect bone from a kerrison rongeur is shown in FIG. 3b , wherein thecollector 200 is illustrated in a generally horizontal orientation.

The collector 200 is hand-held and comprises a container body 201, shownto be generally cylindrical in shape. The container body 201 defines aninterior containment space and includes a transparent sidewall portion203 through which the interior of the container body 201 is visible.

The collector 200 further comprises a cap 205 that is attached to thecontainer body 201. FIG. 3c is a top plan view of the cap 205 of thecollector 200, and FIG. 3d is a side elevational view of the cap 205 ofthe collector 200.

The top of the cap 205 includes an intake port opening 213 centrallylocated in the top of the cap 205, perhaps as best shown in FIG. 3c .The top of the cap 205 includes a funnel-shaped surface 202 that isradially inclined toward the opening 213, as perhaps best shown in FIG.3b . The cap 205 further includes a platform 207 that extends into theinterior of the container body 201, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 3b .The platform 207 includes a stop 209 and scrapers 211. The scrapers211—two of which are shown in the figures, but any number of which maybe included—extend from the platform and are flexible and resilient,preferably sufficiently rigid or semi-rigid so as to hold form when notengaged by the distal end of a kerrison rongeur and deflecting andbending upon abutment by and engagement with the distal end of akerrison rongeur. The scrapers 211 may be made from metal or othermaterial, and it is contemplated that a scraper may be made ofpolypropylene.

It will be appreciated that the funnel-shaped top surface 202 of the cap205 is designed to direct a distal end of a kerrison rongeur toward theopening 213 upon abutment therewith, and the stop 209 is intended toabut and physically preclude further advancement of the distal tip ofthe kerrison rongeur when received through the opening 213.

The cap 205 is freely rotatable relative to the container body 201, asindicated by the arrow R in FIG. 3b . Rotation—or twisting—of the cap205 on the container body 201 is facilitated by external ribs 215 on theside of the cap 205 for manual grasping. Rotation of the cap 205 doesnot detach the cap 205 from the container body 201, which preferably isreceived and held within a mouth of the container body 201 in africtional fit between the container body and a seal 217 of the cap 205.The cap 205 preferably is removable by pulling of the cap 205 off of thecontainer body 201 with a reasonable amount of effort.

The stop 209 is located at a spacing relative to the opening 213 suchthat, upon receipt of the distal end of the kerrison rongeur andabutment thereof with the stop 209, the scrapers 211 extend over andcover the distal end of the kerrison rongeur proximate the cutting areain which cut bone would be found. Furthermore, rotation of the capresults in movement of the scrapers 211 around, about and through thecutting area of the distal end of the kerrison rongeur so as to dislodgeand remove for collection any cut bone carried therein.

In this respect, the collector 200 is held horizontally generally asshown in FIG. 3 b.

Preferably in use, an assistant moves or loads the collector 200 ontothe distal end of a kerrison rongeur when extended from the surgicalsite by the surgeon, who preferably maintains focus and attention on thesurgical site and does not look away for purposes of aligning the distalend with the intake port opening 213, which is generally located in thecenter of the cap 205. Alignment is the assistant's responsibility, andit will be appreciated that the intake port opening 213 is maneuveredrelative to and aligned with the distal end of the kerrison rongeur bythe assistant. The funnel-shaped surface 202 facilitates the alignmentwith and receipt of the distal tip within the opening 213.

Upon receipt of the distal end of the kerrison rongeur into the interiorof the collector 200 and its abutment with the stop 209, the assistanttwists (rotates in direction of arrow R) the cap 205 relative to thecontainer body 201. This causes the scrapers 211 to engage and removeany cut bone carried by the kerrison rongeur, resulting in the boneeither falling onto an interior wall of the container body 201 orbecoming lodged within a scraper. Moreover, the transparency of thecontainer body 201 will enable the assistant to view whether the bonehas been collected yet from the kerrison rongeur, and to continuetwisting the cap 205 on and relative to the container body 201 eitheruntil the bone has been collected or a reasonable number of rotationshas occurred.

Once collected from the kerrison rongeur, the assistant removes(unloads) the collector 200 from the distal end of the kerrison rongeurwith the bone remaining within the interior of the collector 200, eitherloosely retained therein or lodged within a scraper. Preferably theassistant then acknowledges to the surgeon the completion of thecollection of the bone from kerrison rongeur, whereupon the surgeonreturns the kerrison rongeur to the surgical site for continued cutting.This sequence continues until cutting by the surgeon is completed.

During the procedure, the bone may be kept within the collector 200until needed or may be removed as desired. The bone preferably isharvested by removing the cap 205 from the container body 201. Bone thatis lodged within a scraper can be removed by manually agitating thescraper and pulling on the bone so that the bone falls onto a sterilecloth, towel, pad, or table surface. The bone within the container body201 that is loose may be dumped onto the sterile cloth, towel, or pad,or directly onto the sterile surface of the table. Bone within thecontainer body 201 that is not loose may be manually removed. Theharvested bone then can be used during the procedure, such as forexample, in an autograft procedure.

The materials from which the components of the collector are made may beany desired, suitable material for use in the foregoing procedure. Forinstance, a scraper may comprise metal or other rigid or semi-rigidmaterial that is effective in dislodging bone from the distal end of thekerrison rongeur. It is further contemplated that one or more of thematerials may be molded from, for example, an inert plastic material.Furthermore, the materials preferably are lightweight such that thecollector is readily manipulated by hand. Furthermore, the collector maybe disposable, in that the collector may be used during a single medicalprocedure for a patient and then discarded. Alternatively, one or morecomponents of the collector (including all of the components) aredesigned to and are able to be sterilized for reuse with another patientduring another procedure.

A Third Embodiment

FIG. 4a is a perspective view illustrating a sequence of steps for usinganother collector 300 in accordance with a third embodiment of thepresent invention, wherein the collector 300 is illustrated in agenerally horizontal orientation receiving the distal end of a kerrisonrongeur. FIG. 4b is a top plan view of the collector 300 and distal tipof the kerrison rongeur of FIG. 4a . The collector 300 and use thereofis similar to collector 200 and its use, with the exception that a cap305 of the collector includes a cut out 308 in the side thereof by whichan assistant may better visualize alignment with and receipt of thedistal end of a kerrison rongeur within the intake port opening in thecap 305, and with the further exception that the cap further does notinclude a funnel-shaped top surface.

A Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 5a a perspective view of a collector 400 used to collect cut bonefrom a kerrison rongeur for harvesting in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention, wherein the collector 400 isillustrated in a generally vertical orientation. FIG. 5b is aperspective view representative of a sequence of steps for using thecollector 400 in collecting bone from a kerrison rongeur, wherein thecollector 400 is illustrated in a generally horizontal orientation withthe distal end of the kerrison rongeur being received within thecollector 400.

The collector 400 is hand-held and comprises a container body 401, shownto be generally cylindrical in shape. The container body 401 defines aninterior containment space and includes a transparent sidewall portion403 through which the interior of the container body 401 is visible. Thecollector 400 further comprises a cap 405 that is attached to thecontainer body 401. The cap 405 includes an interior ledge 411 thatdefines an intake port opening 413 through which the distal end of akerrison rongeur is received. The cap 405 further includes a guidemember 417 that projects from the ledge 411 and that is shaped andcontoured for receiving and guiding therein a portion of the distal endof the kerrison rongeur. The guide member 417 preferably includes aU-shape configuration, as shown. An saddle member 419 extends from abottom 409 of the container body 401 and, in conjunction with the guidemember 417, assists in aligning the distal end of the kerrison rongeurfor collection of bone, as shown in FIG. 5b . The saddle member 419preferably includes a C-shape configuration, as shown.

A scraper 421 is provided proximate the bottom 409 of the container body401 and extends toward the saddle member 419 into the cutting area ofthe distal end of a kerrison rongeur when aligned by the saddle member419. The scraper 421 is secured to a base 423 that extends from the sidewall 403 of the container body 401 in abutment with the bottom 409 ofthe container body 401. Further in this regard, the bottom 409 serves asa stop for the distal end of the kerrison rongeur.

The cap 405 is freely rotatable relative to the container body 401, asindicated by the arrows R in FIG. 5b . Rotation—or twisting—of the cap405 on the container body 401 is facilitated by external ribs 416 on theside of the cap 405 for manual grasping. Rotation of the cap 405 doesnot detach the cap 405 from the container body 401, which preferably isreceived and held within a mouth of the container body 401 in africtional fit between the container body and a seal (nOw shown, butsimilar to seal 217 found in collector 200). The cap 405 preferably isremovable by pulling of the cap 405 off of the container body 401 with areasonable amount of effort.

The scraper 421 is located at a spacing relative to the saddle member419 such that, upon receipt of the distal end of the kerrison rongeurand abutment thereof with the bottom 409 serving as a stop, the scraper411 extends over and covers the distal end of the kerrison rongeurproximate the cutting area thereof in which cut bone would be found.Furthermore, rotation of the container body 401 relative to the cap 405results in movement of the scraper 421 around, about and through thecutting area of the distal end of the kerrison rongeur so as to dislodgeand remove for collection any cut bone carried therein. It will furtherbe appreciated that the saddle member 419 also rotates with thecontainer body 401, whereas the guide member 417 is an integral moldedpart of—and remains fixed relative to—the cap 405.

It will further be noted that the cap 405 defines an inner surface 430that, when the collector is positioned for receiving the distal end ofthe kerrison rongeur, as shown in FIG. 5b , the inner surface 430 willform a flange that catches bone that may fall from the kerrison rongeurwhile attempting to receiving the distal end of the kerrison rongeurwithin the guide member 417 and through the intake opening 413.

Preferably in use, an assistant moves or loads the collector 400 ontothe distal end of a kerrison rongeur when extended from the surgicalsite by the surgeon, who preferably maintains focus and attention on thesurgical site and does not look away for purposes of aligning the distalend with the intake port opening 413, which is generally located in thecenter of the cap 405. Alignment is the assistant's responsibility, andit will be appreciated that the intake port opening 413 is maneuveredrelative to and aligned with the distal end of the kerrison rongeur bythe assistant. The guide member 417 further aids the assistant inpositioning of the distal end of the kerrison rongeur within the saddlemember 419 after being inserted through the opening 413.

Upon receipt of the distal end of the kerrison rongeur into the interiorof the collector 400 and its abutment with the bottom 409 serving as astop, the assistant twists (rotates back and forth in the directions ofarrows R) the container body 401 relative to the cap 405. This causesthe scraper 421 to engage and remove any cut bone carried by thekerrison rongeur, resulting in the bone either falling onto an interiorwall of the container body 401 or becoming lodged within the bristles ofthe scraper 421. Moreover, the transparency of the side wall 403container body 401 enables the assistant to view whether the bone hasbeen collected yet from the kerrison rongeur, and to continue twistingthe container body 401 relative to the cap 405 back and forth eitheruntil the bone has been collected or a reasonable number of attemptshave been made by the assistant.

Once collected from the kerrison rongeur, the assistant removes(unloads) the collector 400 from the distal end of the kerrison rongeurwith the bone remaining within the interior of the collector 400, eitherloosely retained therein or lodged within the bristles. Preferably theassistant then acknowledges to the surgeon the completion of thecollection of the bone from kerrison rongeur, whereupon the surgeonreturns the kerrison rongeur to the surgical site for continued cuttingwithout taking focus away from the surgical site. This sequencecontinues until cutting by the surgeon is completed.

During the procedure, the bone may be kept within the collector 400until needed or may be removed as desired. The bone preferably isharvested by removing the cap 405 from the container body 401. Bone thatis lodged within a scraper can be removed by manually agitating thebristles and pulling on the bone so that the bone falls onto a sterilecloth, towel, pad, or table surface. The bone within the container body401 that is loose may be dumped onto the sterile cloth, towel, or pad,or directly onto the sterile surface of the table. Bone within thecontainer body 401 that is not loose may be manually removed by hand orwith an instrument. The harvested bone then can be used during theprocedure, such as for example, in an autograft procedure.

The materials from which the components of the collector are made may beany desired, suitable material for use in the foregoing procedure. Forinstance, a scraper may comprise metal or other rigid or semi-rigidmaterial that is effective in dislodging bone from the distal end of thekerrison rongeur. It is further contemplated that one or more of thematerials may be molded from, for example, an inert plastic material.Furthermore, the materials preferably are lightweight such that thecollector is readily manipulated by hand. Furthermore, the collector maybe disposable, in that the collector may be used during a single medicalprocedure for a patient and then discarded. Alternatively, one or morecomponents of the collector (including all of the components) aredesigned to and are able to be sterilized for reuse with another patientduring another procedure.

FIG. 5c is a side elevational view of an alternative collector 400′generally similar to the collector 400, but in which the height of thecollector 400′ is less than the height of the collector 400 and, thus,the collector 400′ has a smaller profile.

A Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a collector 500 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur for harvesting in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention, wherein the collector 500 isillustrated in a generally horizontal orientation. FIG. 6b is a sideelevational view of the collector 500.

The collector 500 includes a container body 501 that is box-shaped withgenerally rectangular sides and a cap 505 with generally rectangularsides. The container body 501 defines an interior containment space andpreferably includes transparent side walls 503. The container body 501is utilized to store collected bone. The cap 505 includes a stopcomprising a wall 519 that extends between opposed interior sidesurfaces of the cap 505 and divides passage through the cap to theinterior of the container body 501 into two side passages 508 aroundopposite sides of the wall 519. Scrapers 521 are located in front of thewall and extend from one of the interior side surfaces of the cap 505from to which the wall 519 connects.

Preferably in use, an assistant moves or loads the collector 500 ontothe distal end of a kerrison rongeur when extended from the surgicalsite by the surgeon, who preferably maintains focus and attention on thesurgical site and does not look away for purposes of aligning the distalend of the kerrison rongeur with the opening in the cap 505. Alignmentis the assistant's responsibility, and it will be appreciated that thecollector 500 is maneuvered relative to and aligned with the distal endof the kerrison rongeur by the assistant such that the distal end of thekerrison rongeur, when received within the cap 505, will come intoabutment with the wall 519 and cease further advancement within the cap505 toward the container body 501. The spacing of the wall 519 to thescrapers 521 is such that the scrapers will pass through the cuttingarea of the distal end of the kerrison rongeur when the collector 500 ismoved back and forth in lateral directions relative to the longitudinalextent of the kerrison rongeur. Furthermore, the wall 519 may bemaintained in abutment with the tip of the kerrison rongeur during suchback and forth movement for proper alignment of the scarpers 521relative to the cutting area of the kerrison rongeur, therebyfacilitating dislodgment of cut bone found in the cutting area by thescrapers 521. Such back and forth movement is facilitated bylongitudinally protruding ribs 515 on the cap 505, which enable bettergrasping by hand of the cap 505. Additionally, one or more ribs 515—suchas the middle pair of ribs shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b , for example—may beused for sighting by the assistant during loading of the distal end ofthe kerrison rongeur, as represented by the direction and alignment ofarrow A relative to the middle pair of ribs seen in FIG. 6 b.

Once collected from the kerrison rongeur, the assistant removes(unloads) the collector 500 from the distal end of the kerrison rongeurwith the bone remaining within the interior of the cap 505, eitherloosely retained therein or lodged within the bristles. Tilting of thecollector 500 to a vertical orientation and light shaking of thecollector 500 should cause any loose bone collected from the kerrisonrongeur to fall through one of the side passages into the container body501 where the bone yield can be viewed through the transparent walls503.

Preferably the assistant acknowledges to the surgeon the completion ofthe collection of the bone from kerrison rongeur, whereupon the surgeonreturns the kerrison rongeur to the surgical site for continued cuttingwithout taking focus away from the surgical site. This sequencecontinues until cutting by the surgeon is completed.

During the procedure, the bone may be kept within the container body 5 b01 of the collector 500 until needed or may be removed as desired. Thebone preferably is harvested by removing the cap 505 from the containerbody 501. Bone that is lodged within any bristles of the scrapers 521can be removed by manually agitating the bristles and pulling on thebone so that the bone falls onto a sterile cloth, towel, pad, or tablesurface. The bone within the container body 501 that is loose may bedumped onto the sterile cloth, towel, or pad, or directly onto thesterile surface of the table. Bone within the container body 501 that isnot loose may be manually removed by hand or with an instrument. Theharvested bone then can be used during the procedure, such as forexample, in an autograft procedure.

The materials from which the components of the collector are made may beany desired, suitable material for use in the foregoing procedure. Forinstance, a scraper may comprise metal or other rigid or semi-rigidmaterial that is effective in dislodging bone from the distal end of thekerrison rongeur. It is further contemplated that one or more of thematerials may be molded from, for example, an inert plastic material.Furthermore, the materials preferably are lightweight such that thecollector is readily manipulated by hand. Furthermore, the collector maybe disposable, in that the collector may be used during a single medicalprocedure for a patient and then discarded. Alternatively, one or morecomponents of the collector (including all of the components) aredesigned to and are able to be sterilized for reuse with another patientduring another procedure.

A Sixth Embodiment

FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a collector 600 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur in accordance with another embodiment ofthe present invention, wherein the collector 600 is illustrated in agenerally horizontal orientation. Each of FIGS. 7b, 7c is a respectiveside elevational view of the collector 600. The collector 600 is similarin construction and use as the collector 500 discussed above withreference to FIGS. 6a and 6b . A primary difference over the collector500, however, is that the wall 521 is replaced with a depressible button621. The button 621 preferably is spring-loaded and biased into anextended position, shown in FIG. 7a in solid line and additionally shownin FIG. 7b , in which extended position passage through the cap 605 toan interior containment space of the container body 601 is not blocked.Upon being fully depressed, the button extends into and blocks passagethrough the cap 605, as shown in phantom in FIG. 7a . When in thedepressed position, the button serves as a stop in same manner as wall519 in collector 500, described above.

A Seventh Embodiment

FIG. 8a is a perspective view of a collector 700 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur for harvesting in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention, wherein the collector 700 isillustrated in a generally horizontal orientation. The collector 700 issimilar in construction and use as the collector 600 discussed abovewith reference to FIG. 7a , FIG. 7b , and FIG. 7c . A primary differenceover the collector 600, however, is that the cap includes a ramp 704that assists in guiding the tip of the end portion of a kerrison rongeurinto proper position within the cap. The height of the passage is alsoless than that of the height of the passage through cap 605, and thelength of travel when depressing the button is consequently less aswell.

An Eighth Embodiment

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a collector 800 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur for harvesting in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention, wherein the collector 800 isillustrated in a generally horizontal orientation. FIG. 9b is aperspective view of part of a release mechanism 840 of the collector800, and FIG. 9c is a schematic illustration representing thearrangement and operation of the release mechanism 840 relative to thescrapers 821 and cap 805 of the collector 800.

The collector 800 includes a release mechanism 840 having a button 823connected by an arm 842 to a wall 843. The wall 843 defines a releaseopening 844 therein. The release mechanism 840 is contained within thecap 805 and includes a spring 845 that biases the release mechanism 840into a closed configuration, wherein bone collected within intake port813 using scrapers 821 is blocked from access to an interior containmentspace of the container body 801. When the button 823 is depressedagainst the biasing of the spring 845 in the direction of arrow A, thewall 843 moves (slides) so as to align the release opening 844 with theintake port opening 813 thereby permitting the collected bone to pass tothe interior of the container body 801. When in the closedconfiguration, the wall 843 serves as a stop for the distal end of akerrison rongeur, in which position the scrapers 821 pass through thecutting area when the cap 805 is rotated about its longitudinal axisrelative to the kerrison rongeur.

Additional Embodiments Utilizing Suction

Additional collectors used to collect cut bone from a kerrison rongeurfor harvesting in accordance with still yet more embodiments of thepresent invention embodiments are disclosed with reference to FIGS. 10athrough 19 c. Each of these additional embodiments utilizes suction andincludes a suction port for attachment thereto of a suction hose ortube. The hose or tube in turn is connected to a suction source, such asthose commonly found in operating rooms.

A collector 900 in accordance with a first such embodiment is shown inFIGS. 10a and 10b , wherein a perspective view of the collector 900 usedto collect cut bone from a kerrison rongeur for harvesting isillustrated in a generally vertical orientation and includes a suctiontube 950 attached to a suction port 952 located on the cap 905 of thecollector 900. FIG. 10b is a side plan view of the collector 900 thatperhaps better shows in a close-up, cross-sectional view, theconfiguration of the intake port 913 of the collector 900 within which adistal tip of a kerrison rongeur is received. In accordance with thisembodiment, the intake port includes one or more scrapers located withinthe interior thereof. Additionally, the intake port 913 itself forms a“hawk bill” scraping tip. The scrapers and scraping tip are used todislodge and scrape bone from the kerrison rongeur, with the suctionapplied through the suction tube drawing into the collector thedislodged and scraped bone. The bone is caught and retained within aninterior containment space of the container body 901 for laterharvesting and use.

FIG. 11a is a perspective view of a collector 1000 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur for harvesting in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the present invention, wherein the collector 1000is illustrated in a generally vertical orientation and includes asuction tube 1050 attached to a suction port 1052 located on the cap1005 of the collector 1000. FIG. 11b is a side plan view of thecollector 1000.

Unlike collector 900, the cap 1005 of collector 1000 forms a long,ergonomic handle 1075 for gripping where the suction port 1052 islocated. Like collector 900, the intake opening 1013 of collector 1000is formed in the cap 1005 and includes scrapers 1021 located within theinterior thereof, as seen in FIG. 11 a.

FIG. 12a is a side plan view, in cross-section, of a collector 1100 usedto collect cut bone from a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the present invention, wherein the collector 1100is illustrated in a generally vertical orientation and includes asuction tube 1150 attached to a suction port 1152 located on the cap1105. As shown in FIG. 12a , the collector 1100 includes multipleinterior scrapers 1121 extending from the cap 1105 downwardly within theinterior thereof for dislodging bone from the distal end of a kerrisonrongeur.

FIG. 12b is a side plan view in cross-section of another collector 1200similar to the collector 1100 of FIG. 12a , and differing only in that asingle interior scraper 1221 is provided rather than a plurality ofscrapers.

FIG. 12c is a perspective view in cross-section of a portion of thecollector 1100 of FIG. 12a illustrating a porous screen mesh or screen1190 for filtering of outflow from the collector 1100 through thesuction tube 1150 so that precious bone is not inadvertently suctionedaway from the collector 1100. Indeed, a screen is preferred as thecollector is most likely will be accidentally tipped over onto its sideat some point during its use such that bone would be suctioned away ifnot for the screen.

FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a collector 1300 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur for harvesting in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the present invention, wherein the collector 1300is illustrated in a generally vertical orientation. FIG. 13b is anotherperspective view of an opposite side of the collector 1300 as seen inFIG. 13a . The collector 1300 includes a suction tube 1350 attached to asuction port 1352 located at a distal end of a handle 1375 that, itself,is located proximate the bottom of the collector 1300. An airflowchannel 1377 is defined within and extends through the interior of thehandle 1375 between the suction port 1313 and an interior containmentspace of the container body 1301 (which is represented in phantom inFIGS. 13a and 13b ). As shown in FIGS. 13a and 13b , the handle 1375 andsuction port are part of the cap 1305, which is removably attached tothe container body 1301. Intake port 1313 is also part of the cap 1305.

FIG. 14a is a perspective view of a collector 1400 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodimentof the present invention, wherein the collector 1400 is illustrated in agenerally vertical orientation. FIG. 14b is a perspective viewillustrating a use of the collector 1400 in collecting bone from akerrison rongeur for harvesting, wherein the collector 1400 isillustrated in a generally horizontal orientation with the distal end ofthe kerrison rongeur about to be received through an intake port 1413 ofthe collector 1400 that is located on the top of the cap 1405 of thecollector 1400.

FIG. 15a is a perspective view of a collector 1500 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodimentof the present invention, wherein the collector 1500 is illustrated in agenerally vertical orientation. FIG. 15b is another perspective view ofan opposite side of the collector 1500 as seen in FIG. 15a , wherein anintake port 1513 of the collector 1500 is better seen. The intake port1513 is located on a side of the cap 1505 of the collector 1500.

FIG. 16a is a perspective view of a collector 1600 used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur in accordance with yet another embodimentof the present invention, wherein the collector 1600 is illustrated in agenerally vertical orientation. FIG. 16b is another perspective view ofan opposite side of the collector 1600 as seen in FIG. 16a , wherein anintake port 1613 of the collector 1600 is better seen.

FIG. 17a illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a profile of an intakeport 1701 for a collector in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention, which intake port has a rounded, angled tip.

FIG. 17b illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a profile of an intakeport 1702 for a collector in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention, which intake port has a rounded, angled “hawk bill”scraping tip.

FIG. 17c illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a profile of an intakeport 1703 for a collector in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention, which intake port has a rounded, angled round hawkbill scraping tip.

FIG. 17d illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a profile of an intakeport 1704 for a collector in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention, which intake port has a rounded, rectilinear tip.

FIG. 17e illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a profile of an intakeport 1705 for a collector in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention, which intake port has a rectilinear tip.

FIG. 17f illustrates, in a cross-sectional view, a profile of an intakeport 1706 for a collector in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention, which intake port has an angled tip.

FIG. 18a illustrates in plan view an opening of an intake port 1801 fora collector in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention, which intake port includes multiple sets of bristle scrapersmounted on a top and sides of the port.

FIG. 18b illustrates in plan view an opening of an intake port 1802 fora collector in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention, which intake port includes side scrapers combined with onelarge top scraper.

FIG. 18c illustrates in plan view an opening of an intake port 1803 fora collector in accordance with various embodiments of the presentinvention, which intake port includes a single large top mounted scraperthat scraps both sides and top simultaneously, and which port has anarrowed entrance to improve scraping efficiency upon insertion of akerrison rongeur.

FIG. 19a illustrates in plan view a generally oval (preferably circular)intake port 1901 of for a collector in accordance with variousembodiments of the present invention, which intake port includes top andside mounted scrapers.

FIG. 19b illustrates in plan view a generally oval (preferably circular)intake port 1902 for a collector in accordance various embodiments ofthe present invention, which intake port includes multiple top scraperscombined with side scrapers.

FIG. 19c illustrates in plan view a generally oval (preferably circular)intake port 1903 for a collector in accordance with various embodimentsof the present invention, which intake port includes a single, topmounted scraper.

More Embodiments and Prototypes

Still another collector in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 20. As shown therein,the intake port 2013 comprises a squeezable and springy material capableof being squeezed by hand. When the distal end of a kerrison rongeur isreceived within the intake port 2013, the intake port is manuallysqueezed such that scrapers located within the intake port 2013 engageand dislodge any cut bone found within the cutting area of the kerrisonrongeur. The locations, types, and configurations of the scrapers may bein accordance with the disclosures of scrapers found hereinabove.

FIG. 21a illustrates a table listing values of properties giving rise tosome possible variations between some embodiments of the invention, andFIG. 21b illustrates a table listing some possible combinations of someof the elements of the table of FIG. 21a . In this respect, the firstcolumn of the table of FIG. 21a lists elements that maybe used in one ormore embodiments. The listed elements include a brush; a soft wiper(i.e., soft scraper); a hard wiper (i.e., hard scraper); pressure (air);and suction. Each of these elements represents a way of removing ordislodging cut matter from a tip of a rongeur. The second column listspaths of movement of the tip of the rongeur relative to the element forthe brush and different wipers. The third column lists possibleorientation to the path.

Exemplary combinations of some of these elements, including the brushand wipers, are set forth in FIG. 21b . FIGS. 22a through 22g areperspective views of tips and scrapers showing various paths andorientations.

In particular, FIG. 22a shows scraper 2202, rongeur 2204 with cuttingarea 2206, and a path of movement of the scraper 2202 relative to therongeur 2204 and cutting area 2206; FIG. 22b shows scraper 2208, rongeur2210 with cutting area 22012, and a path of movement of the scraper 2208relative to the rongeur 2210 and cutting area 2212; FIG. 22c showsscraper 2214, rongeur 2216 with cutting area 2218, and a path ofmovement of the scraper 2214 relative to the rongeur 2216 and cuttingarea 2218; FIG. 22d shows scraper 2220, rongeur 2222 with cutting area2224, and a path of movement of the scraper 2220 relative to the rongeur2222 and cutting area 2224; FIG. 22e shows a scraper 2226 in the form ofa wiper, rongeur 2228 with cutting area 2230, and a path of movement ofthe wiper 2226 relative to the rongeur 2228 and cutting area 2230; FIG.22f shows a scraper in the form of a wiper 2232, rongeur 2234 withcutting area 2236, and a path of movement of the wiper 2232 relative tothe rongeur 2234 and cutting area 2236; and FIG. 22g shows a scraper inthe form of a wiper 2238, rongeur 2240 with cutting area 2242, and apath of movement of the wiper 2238 relative to the rongeur 2240 andcutting area 2242.

A perspective view of a collector 2300 in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 23.

A perspective view of a collector 2400 in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the invention—and structurally similar in design to theembodiment of FIG. 23—is illustrated in FIGS. 24a -24 f, wherein: FIG.24a is a top view of the cap of the collector 2400; FIG. 24b is a sideelevational view of the collector 2400; FIG. 24c is another sideelevational view of the collector 2400; FIG. 24d is a top perspectiveside view of the collector 2400; FIG. 24e is a bottom perspective sideview of the collector 2400; and FIG. 24f is a perspective view of thescraper of the collector 2400 located under and attached to the cap, asseen through the opening in the cap in FIGS. 24c and 24 e.

A perspective view of a collector 2500 in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 25a -25 f. A portion2580 of the end of a kerrison rongeur including the tip also isillustrated relative to the container 2500 in FIGS. 25b -25 f.

A perspective view of two collectors 2600,2650 each in accordance withanother respective embodiment of the invention are illustrated in FIGS.26a -24 f. The two collectors 2600,2650 are structurally the same withthe exception that brush 2610 of collector 2600 comprises bristles ofthe same length, whereas brush 2660 of collector 2650 has varying lengthbristles. In particular, FIG. 26a is a side-by-side elevational view ofthe tops of the collectors 2600,2650 looking through the ports (wideside openings) in the caps thereof at the brushes 2610,2660, where thevarying length bristles of brush 2660 can be seen. FIG. 26b is aperspective view of the caps of the collectors 2600,2650 after the capshave been unscrewed from the containers and placed upside down on asurface to expose views of the brushes 2610,2660. As perhaps best shownin FIG. 26b , the brushes are secured to a generally semicircular areaof the underside of the respective caps. Continuing with reference tocollectors 2600,2650, FIG. 26c is a side-by-side top perspective view ofthese collectors, and FIG. 26d is a side elevational view of collector2650 being held with a left hand. The varying length of the bristles ofbrush 2660 also are seen in FIG. 26d as well.

FIGS. 27-28 b demonstrate insertion of the tip of a kerrison rongeurthrough the port and into the interior of the cap of the collector 2600in engagement with the brush 2610. Specifically, FIG. 27 shows movementof the tip in the direction of arrow A so as to extend through the port;and FIGS. 28a and 28b each shows the tip being receive within the cap ofthe collector 2600 in engagement with the brush 2610.

A perspective view of a collector 2900 in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 29 and comprises acontainer 2905 and cap 2910. The cap includes a slidable plunger that isspring-biased into an open position by spring 2942. A scraper is locatedon the plunger inside the cap 2910 and, when the plunger is moved(slides) into the closed position by pressing on tab 2940 with a fingeror thumb, the scraper (not shown) moves across the cutting area of arongeur tip that has been inserted through port 2948 so as to dislodgeand clear matter carried on the rongeur in the cutting area.

FIGS. 30-34 b show a prototype collector 3000 as represented bycollector 2900 of FIG. 29. In particular, FIG. 30 shows the collector3000 held in a person's left hand with thumb on the tab 3040 of theplunger. An alternative method of holding the collector is with theright hand, as demonstrated in FIGS. 31 and 32.

The plunger is biased by spring 3042 into an open position. FIG. 34ashows the plunger 3050 in an open position. The spring is attached andsecured at one end by a pin to the plunger, and at the other end by apin to the main body of the cap 3010. In order to adjust the springforce, the pin can be placed in one of a plurality of holes formed inthe cap 3010 as perhaps best seen in FIG. 30 and illustrated inrepresentative collector 2900 of FIG. 29. The cap 3010 includes a port3048 physically configured to receive the tip of a kerrison rongeurthere through, as seen in FIGS. 33a and 33 b.

When inserted through the port 3048, the distal end 3045 of the tip ofthe rongeur contacts a stop 3030, which is best seen in FIG. 34b .Indeed, in FIG. 34b the tip is shown having been inserted through port3048 of cap 3010 and into abutment with stop 3030, whereat movement ofthe plunger by pressing on tab 3040 will force the scraper (in the formof a brush 3025) directly through the cutting area of the tip, therebydislodging matter in the cutting area.

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, apatient advantageously is afforded his or her own bone for the fusionwhen a collector is used to harvest bone cut from the patient using akerrison rongeur. For example, Lamina chips are clinically proven tohave both osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties conducive forbone fusion. By using a patient's own bone, there is less chance ofrejection, infection, and significant cost by not having to rely on bonesubstitute.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A collector used to collect cut bone, comprising:(a) a container body (i) defining an interior containment space forreceiving and retaining collected bone and (ii) having at least one openend for access and removal of collected bone from the interiorcontainment space; and (b) a cap in covering relation to the open endsuch that access to the interior containment space for removal ofcollected bone is inhibited; (c) wherein the collector comprises anintake port defining an opening for receiving therein a distal end of akerrison-type rongeur for collecting cut bone from a cutting areathereof, and (d) wherein the cap comprises at least one scraper forengaging and dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of the distal endof the rongeur when received within the intake port.
 2. The collector ofclaim 1, wherein the collector defines a passage through which cut bonedislodged by a scraper from the cutting area of the distal end of therongeur is received within the interior containment space.
 3. Thecollector of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a stop by which theextent to which the distal end of the rongeur received within the intakeport is limited.
 4. The collector of claim 3, wherein the stop islocated at a spacing relative to the intake port such that, upon receiptof the distal end of the rongeur and abutment thereof with the stop, theone or more scrapers when actuated extend over and cover the distal endof the rongeur proximate the cutting area in which cut bone would befound.
 5. The collector of claim 1, wherein the container body comprisesa stop by which the extent to which the distal end of the rongeurreceived within the intake port is limited.
 6. The collector of claim 1,wherein the collector further comprises a stop by which the extent towhich the distal end of the rongeur received within the intake port islimited.
 7. The collector of claim 6, wherein the stop comprises adepressible button.
 8. The collector of claim 7, wherein the depressiblebutton, when depressed, blocks the passage and inhibits receipt ofdislodged bone within the interior containment space; and wherein thedepressible button, when not depressed, does not inhibit receipt ofdislodged bone within the interior containment space.
 9. The collectorof claim 6, wherein the stop comprises a wall.
 10. The collector ofclaim 9, wherein the wall blocks the passage and inhibits receipt ofdislodged bone within the interior containment space.
 11. The collectorof claim 9, wherein the wall includes an opening therein, the wall beingmovable between a first position in which the opening aligns with thepassage and the wall does not inhibit receipt of dislodged bone withinthe interior containment space, dislodged bone passing through theopening in the wall; and a second position in which the opening is outof alignment with the passage and the wall inhibits receipt of dislodgedbone within the interior containment space.
 12. The collector of claim1, wherein the cap is detachable from the container body such thataccess to the interior space for removal of collected bone retainedtherein is uninhibited by the cap;
 13. The collector of claim 12,wherein the cap is attached to the container body in a frictional fitengagement.
 14. The collector of claim 12, wherein the cap is attachedto the container body in a thread engagement.
 15. The collector of claim12, wherein the cap screws onto the container body.
 16. The collector ofclaim 1, wherein a portion of the cap is rotatable relative both to thecontainer body and to another portion of the cap.
 17. The collector ofclaim 1, wherein the cap is movable relative to the container bodydetachable from the container body such that access to the interiorspace for removal of collected bone retained therein is uninhibited bythe cap;
 18. The collector of claim 17, wherein a hinge connects the capto the container body for movement relative thereto.
 19. The collectorof claim 17, wherein the collector is disposable.
 20. The collector ofclaim 17, wherein one or more components of the collector aredisposable.
 21. The collector of claim 17, wherein one or morecomponents of the collector are designed to be sterilized for reuse withdifferent patients in different procedures.
 22. The collector of claim1, wherein the collector is hand-held and lightweight.
 23. The collectorof claim 1, wherein the container body comprises a generally elongatebody or tube having opposite open-ends, wherein the cap comprises afirst end cap covering a first of the opposite open-ends of thecontainer body, and further comprising a second end cap covering asecond of the opposite open-ends of the container body.
 24. Thecollector of claim 23, wherein the first and second end caps aregenerally cylindrical in shape and are axially-aligned along alongitudinal axis of the collector.
 25. The collector of claim 1,wherein the one or more scrapers comprise a single scraper, the only oneof which that is included in the collector.
 26. The collector of claim1, wherein the one or more scrapers comprise more than one scraper. 27.The collector of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more scraperscomprises bristles.
 28. The collector of claim 1, wherein one of the oneor more scrapers comprises a brush.
 29. The collector of claim 1,wherein one of the one or more scrapers comprises a protuberance. 30.The collector of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more scraperscomprises a barb.
 31. The collector of claim 1, wherein one of the oneor more scrapers comprises a finger.
 32. The collector of claim 1,wherein one of the one or more scrapers is flexible and resilient, andsufficiently rigid so as to hold form when not engaged by the distal endof the rongeur and deflecting and bending upon abutment by andengagement with the distal end of the rongeur.
 33. The collector ofclaim 1, wherein one of the one or more scrapers is made from metal. 34.The collector of claim 1, wherein one of the one or more scrapers ismade from polypropylene.
 35. The collector of claim 1, wherein the oneor more scrapers extend from an underside of the cap toward the interiorcontainment space.
 36. The collector of claim 1, wherein the one or morescrapers not are located within the intake port.
 37. The collector ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more scrapers are located within the intakeport.
 38. The collector of claim 37, wherein the intake port issqueezable and springy such that the intake port can be squeezed by handcausing the one or more scrapers to enter to cutting area of a kerrisonrongeur received within the intake port for dislodging bone carriedtherein.
 39. The collector of claim 1, wherein the container bodycomprises an opaque wall portion and a transparent wall portion.
 40. Thecollector of claim 1, wherein the container body comprises a movablepanel.
 41. The collector of claim 40, wherein the panel is connected bya hinge for pivoting movement.
 42. The collector of claim 40, whereinthe panel is removable.
 43. The collector of claim 1, wherein the intakeport is located in the container body.
 44. The collector of claim 1,wherein the intake port is located in a side wall of the container bodygenerally halfway in-between opposite ends of the container body. 45.The collector of claim 1, wherein the intake port is located in the cap.46. The collector of claim 1, wherein the intake port is located on thetop of the cap.
 47. The collector of claim 46, wherein the top of thecap defines a funnel-shaped surface with the intake opening at thecenter thereof.
 48. The collector of claim 46, wherein the top of thecap defines a flange for catching dislodged bone when the collector isturned sideways and the distal end of the rongeur is received within theintake port.
 49. The collector of claim 46, wherein the cap defines acutout for visual alignment of the collector when receiving the distalend of the rongeur.
 50. The collector of claim 46, wherein the capcomprises a protuberance for visual alignment of the collector whenreceiving the distal end of the rongeur.
 51. The collector of claim 1,wherein the intake port is located on a side of the cap.
 52. Thecollector of claim 1, wherein the intake port includes a hawk billprofile.
 53. The collector of claim 1, wherein the intake port defines ascraping tip.
 54. The collector of claim 53, wherein the scraping tip isrigid.
 55. The collector of claim 1, wherein the intake port includes anangular profile.
 56. The collector of claim 1, wherein the intake portincludes a rounded profile.
 57. The collector of claim 1, wherein theone or more scrapers are manually movable into a position for engagingand dislodging cut bone from the cutting area of the distal end of therongeur when received within the intake port.
 58. The collector of claim57, wherein the one or more scrapers comprise at least two opposedscrapers that are manually moved in directions toward one another so asto converge within the cutting area of the distal end of the rongeurwhen received within the intake port.
 59. The collector of claim 58,wherein opposite ends of the collector each includes a depressibleportion by which, when depressed, the opposed scrapers are manuallymoved so as to converge within the cutting area of the distal end of therongeur when received within the intake port.
 60. The collector of claim58, wherein the depressible portion is spring-biased against depression.61. The collector of claim 58, wherein the opposed scrapers arerotatable about a longitudinal axis of the container body by manualrotation of the depressible portions of the end caps.
 62. The collectorof claim 57, wherein the one or more scrapers comprise a scraper that ismanually moved within the cutting area of the distal end of the rongeurwhen received within the intake port by twisting of the cap on thecontainer body.
 63. The collector of claim 1, wherein the cap furthercomprises a handle.
 64. The collector of claim 63, wherein the handleextends generally downwardly proximate a side of the container body, adistal end of the handle being located closer to an end of the containerbody opposite the cap.
 65. The collector of claim 1, further comprisinga suction port for attaching a suction source and suctioning dislodgedbone into receipt within the interior containment space of the containerbody.
 66. The collector of claim 65, wherein the cap defines the suctionport.
 67. The collector of claim 65, wherein the suction port is locatedon a side of the cap.
 68. The collector of claim 65, wherein the capfurther comprises a handle, and wherein the suction port is located onthe handle.
 69. The collector of claim 68, wherein the handle extendsgenerally downwardly proximate a side of the container body, a distalend of the handle being located closer to an end of the container bodyopposite the cap; and wherein the suction port is located at the distalend of the handle.
 70. The collector of claim 69, wherein an interiorpassage extends through the handle from the suction port and opens intothe interior containment space defined by container body.
 71. Thecollector of claim 1, wherein the collector is configured to be held ina sideways position when used to collect cut bone from a kerrisonrongeur.
 72. The collector of claim 1, wherein the collector isconfigured to be held in a horizontal position when used to collect cutbone from a kerrison rongeur, the cap and the container body beinghorizontally oriented relative to one another.
 73. The collector ofclaim 1, wherein the collector is configured to be held in an uprightposition when used to collect cut bone from a kerrison rongeur.
 74. Thecollector of claim 1, wherein the collector is configured to be held ina vertical position when used to collect cut bone from a kerrisonrongeur, the cap and the container body being vertically orientedrelative to one another with the cap being at a vertical elevationgreater than the container body.
 75. The collector of claim 1, whereinthe container body is box-shaped with generally rectangular sides andwherein the cap comprises rectangular sides.
 76. The collector of claim1, wherein the container body is transparent.
 77. A kit comprising thecollector of claim 1 and a rongeur, wherein the collector is configuredto collect cut bone from the rongeur of the kit.
 78. A collectorcomprising a container and a removable cap attached to the container,the cap defining a opening dimensioned for receiving the tip of arongeur there through, and further comprising a scraper attached to anunderside of the cap such that extension of the rongeur through theopening dislodges material carried in a cutting area of the rongeur,which dislodged material is received within an interior space of thecontainer.
 79. The collector of claim 78, wherein the cap is inthreading engagement with the container.
 80. A collector comprising acontainer and a removable cap attached to the container, the capdefining a opening dimensioned for receiving the tip of a rongeur therethrough, and wherein the cap further comprises a spring-biased plungeron which a scraper is secured, the spring-biased plunger being biased toan open position and movable to a closed position upon a forcecountering the spring force, wherein the scraper passes through acutting area of a tip of rongeur when the tip of the rongeur is insertedinto the cap through the opening into abutting engagement with a stop ofthe cap, the scraper causing material carried in a cutting area of therongeur to be dislodged when the plunger is moved from the open positionto the closed position, the dislodged material being received within aninterior space of the container.
 81. The collector of claim 80, whereinthe cap is in threading engagement with the container.
 82. A collectorof any of the foregoing claims, wherein a scraper comprises abio-absorbable material.
 83. A method of using a collector of any of theforegoing claims to collect cut bone.
 84. A method of using a collectorof any of the foregoing claims to collect cut bone.
 85. A method ofusing a collector of any of the foregoing claims to collect cut bone.86. A collector as disclosed and described herein.
 87. A method of usinga collector as disclosed and described herein.